Distribution unit for ventilating systems



Feb. 12, 1952 T. E. M DOWELL DISTRIBUTION UNIT FOR VENTILATING SYSTEMS 4Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 30, 1948 Feb. 12, 1952 T. E. MCDOWELL2,585,666

DISTRIBUTION UNIT FOR VENTILATING SYSTEMS Filed Oct. 50, 1948 4Sheets$heet 2 Feb. 12, 1952 T. E. M DOWELL DISTRIBUTION UNIT FORVENTILATING SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 30. 1948 f2: VE'HZUT27202220555. NODOZMgZ Feb. 12, 1952 T. E. MCDOWELL DISTRIBUTION UNIT FORVENTILATING SYSTEMS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 30, 1948 Patented Feb.12, 1952 TEMS Thomas E. McDowell, Chicago, Ill., assignor to ThePyle-National Company, Chicago, 111., a

corporation of New Jersey Application October 30, 1948, Serial No.57,469

1 Claim. (01. 9840') This invention relates to air distributing sys temsoperable. on the so-called pressure displacement principle. Moreparticularly, this invention is concerned with a novel closure plateequipped with orifice means and arranged to form the bottom panel memberof a pre-installed ductv in'a ventilating system for a vehicle, such asa railway coach.

In vehicles such as railway coaches and motor buses air distributingapparatus is currently being used which includes a plenum chambergenerally located overhead with a double-panel air distributor assemblyforming at least a portion of the ceiling of the enclosure, The upperpanel, which is not visible from below, is provided with a number ofholes or with an air controlvalve and performs the function ofrestricting the flow of air from the plenum chamber-to the enclosure. Aperforated facing member, generally referred to as a distribution panel,forms a portion of the ceiling of the enclosure as well as the finalout.- let for the air, effecting uniform and draftless air movement inthe enclosure thereunder.

Heretofore, it has been customary for the air control valve and itsdistribution plate in a. railroad'car ventilating system to be furnishedas integral or built-in parts of the Ventilating duct works. Thus,completion of the ceiling of a car must often be held up until theventilating contractor appears and installs the, duct works. Thisprocedure is also inconvenient to the. ventilating contractor since hemust bring sheet metal workers out to'the job and-must work in closecooperation with the plans of the; carpenters and, mechanics installingthe ceiling. It would, therefore, be a great advantage if the aircontrol valve were furnished as part of a plate Another object of thepresent invention is to provide a panel which can be quickly installedacross the open bottom of a pre-installed duct in a railroad car ceilingfor controlling the uniform and draftless movement of air in theenclosure therebelow.

A further object of the present invention is to provide air control anddistribution plates that are swingably mounted to provide easy accessto'the ductwork for cleaning.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an aircontrol valve having new, efiicient means for adjusting the volume ofair passing therethrough.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan air control valve in the form of a plate having elongated rectangularopenings therein and an adjustable member movable over said openings tovary air passage therethrough. The control valve is mounted on a panelwhich is of a size to fit into the open bottom of a duct and to beconnected at marginal portions to angle members which are spacedupwardly and extend laterally inwardly from the lower end of the duct.The connection on one side of the plate may be made to the angle memberby means of a hinge so that by disconnecting the securing means at theother marginal edge, the plate can be swung downwardly for access to theplenum chamber there- 'above.

The distribution panel may be similarly mounted on'angle members at thelower end of the duct; p

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a novel aircontrol valve including two apertured plates slidable relative to eachother for varying the alignment of the apertures in the plate from fullair delivery when the apertures are aligned to no delivery when theapertures are completely out of alignment.

A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of anair control valve which comprises a plate having apertures therein sizedto provide the required air delivery at a definite distance from theblower.

Other and further features, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description of the attached drawings.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken across theceiling portion of a railway car and disclosing an air distributionsystem constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the lowerend of the ductwork of the air distribution system disclosed in Figure1;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the lineIII-III of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing a modificationof the air distribu Figure '7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional" viewof another modification of the air distribution system of thepresent'invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of still anothermodification of the air distribution system'of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of anothermodification of the air distribution system of the present invention;and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the airdistribution system of Figure 9 shown in an exploded form.

As shown on the drawings:

In Figure 1 the reference numeral l indicates generally the arched roofof a railroad car. A structural plate 12 is suitably secured across theroof providing a substantially horizontal support. An open-bottomed ductl4, having a covering l of insulating material suitably secured thereon,is positioned longitudinally along the ceiling of the car defining anopen-bottomed plenum chamber l6.

The duct! 4 is supported from the structural plate [2 being securedthereto by any suitable means The lower edges of the side walls of theduct I4 carry Z-angle members 20 which are secured, as by welding,thereon. These angle members 20 have upper ledge portions 22 extendinginto the plenum chamber substantially normal to the wall of the duct andlower ledges 2|, to which side ceiling panels I 8 are suitably attached.

A panel 25, carrying an air control valve assembly 2B, is pivotallysecured at one marginal edge by means of a plurality of hinges 28 andcap screws 23 to one upper ledge member 22, while the opposite marginaledge isfremovably held by cap screws 30 to the upper ledge member 22 onthe Z-angle member 20 directly opposite.

Thus, the panel 25 may be pivoted downwardly for cleaning the plenumchamber when necessary. The air control valve assembly 26 comprises anadjustable plate 23 (Figure 3) which is arranged to overlap openings 3|in the panel 33. These openings 3! permit air to flow from the plenumchamber 16 to a secondary plenum chamber 32 (Figure 1) locatedimmediately below the panel 33. A distribution panel 34, to bedescribedfully hereinafter, closes the open bottom of the secondaryplenum chamber and provides uniform air distribution. I

It is desirable in such an air distribution system to have approximatelythe same amount of air flowing through the control panel openings ineach air distribution unit throughout the length of the car in somecases, while in other installations it is desirable to provide varyingquantities of air to different parts of the passenger compartment. Toprovide such adjustment, the plate 23 may be moved toward or away fromthe open ings 3| to vary the passage defined by the peripheral edge ofthe plate 23 and the panel 33. The closer the plate '23 is moved towardthe panel 33, the smaller the amount of air that will be delivered tothe secondary plenum chamber for subsequent delivery to the enclosuretherebelow. The peripheral passageway also provides a substantial amountof resistance to the flow of air from the plenum chamber into thesecondary plenum chamber. Thus, while air might be maintained in thefirst plenum chamber at a velocity, and consequently the velocity of theair passing through the distribution plates 34 will be proportionatelyreduced.

A plurality of leaf springs 36 are secured as by riveting to theunderside of the plate 23. These springs, which abut at their lower endsagainst the panel 33, serve to stabilize the plate 23 and to prevent anypossible rattle of the parts.

In Figures 1 and 3 a diffuser unit' 38 is illustrated disposedlongitudinally of the railroad car. This unit serves to distribute airinto all parts of the secondary plenum chamber to prevent drafts beingproduced by the emission of air from 10- calized parts of thedistribution panel 34 into the passenger compartment. This unit maysuitably comprise a trough-shaped member 35, Figure 3. While the trough35 is illustrated as extending lengthwise of the car, it is to be notedthat it can be mounted in most any position depending on theinstallation. This trough member may be formed of perforated sheetmetal, the total effective open area of which should be such that itsresistance to air flow is not more, and preferably is less, than that ofthe openings 3| in the panel 33. The trough has perforated end plates 40suitably secured thereon.

A perforated cross baffle 42 extends the length of the trough, securedthereto by welding at an upright flange 43 and affording a support foran inverted cup-shaped member 44 which is secured to the bafile 42 as bywelding at marginal flanged portions 43. A bolt 41 projects through anopening 48 in the upper end of the cup-shaped member 44 having asocket-type head 43 disposed in the cup itself with the threaded shank50 of the bolt in threaded engagement with a collar or nut 5| secured tothe upper surface of the plate 23 over a suitable opening therein. Itwill be understood that apertures are provided in the cross bafile 42and in the trough to permit the insertion of a key (not shown) upwardlyinto engagement with the socket head of the bolt for turning the bolt toadjust the position of the control plate 23 relative to the panel 33 andto the openings 3| therein.

The distribution panel 34 (Figure 2) is hung at one side from a marginalledge 52 which projects inwardly from a Z member 20 and which is securedthereto by a plurality of capscrews 54. An angle member 55 depends fromthe under side of the ledge 52', being arranged to receive a pluralityof hinges 53 secured to one marginal side edge of the panel 34. Theopposite marginal side edge of the panel 34 is removably attached by capscrews 58 to an angle member 60 which is secured to the Z angle memberby cap screws 53.

The panels 34 may be swung downwardly as shown in Figure 2 forinspection ot the: lower plenum chamben.

It is to be particularly notedin-Figure 2that the air distribution.panel. 34. and the air control panel 25 are hinged on opposite sides ofthe duct and; therefore, they will not: interfere with: each othenwhentheyare openedf'or inspection or maintenance of. the plenum-chambers- Itis evident, of course,that in placeof the hingeson'one marginal sideedge-of the air control panel and the air distribution panelthere may beprovided simple, screw type means such as the cap screws 58 and thatwith this type of construction the air control panel and the airdistribution panel may be completely removed 60, which project inwardlyfrom the Z angle members 20.

Figure 4 discloses a modification of the air distribution system of thisinvention and is similar in all respects to that described in connectionwith Figure 1, except that the air control panel in this case takes theform of a plate 62 which has a series of holes 63 the number and size ofwhich can be arranged for proper air delivery depending upon thedistance the panel 62 is from the blower. Thus, for any installationwhere equal quantities of air are to be distributed at.

each panel, the control panel farthest from the blower will have largeropenings 63 to compensate for the reduced pressure.

The modification of the present invention .il

shown in Figure 5 is similar to that of Figures 1 and 4 with theexception that the air control valve takes the form of a lower plate 65having a series of openings 66. An upper plate 68 having an equal numberof openings 69 is slidably mounted on the plate 65. By sliding the plate68 relative to the plate 65, the volume of air passing through the aircontrol plate may be regulated from a maximum delivery when the holesare in alignment to no delivery when the holes are completely out ofalignment. A knob H is provided to facilitate adjusting the plate 68.

In Figure 6 another modification of the air distribution system of thepresent invention is shown wherein the air control panel itself iseliminated and the side walls of the ductwork are extended to formbottom closure plates 10 extending substantially across the open bottomof the duct to define an outlet. The air control valve assembly 28 isidentical to that disclosed in Figure 1 and is secured by screws 12 tothe underside of the closure plates 10 so as to be freely removable as aunit from the duct outlet. An opening 13 is provided in one of theclosure plates 10 providing an inspection opening over which a trapdoorI4 is arranged to close by pivoting on a hinge I5.

A distribution plate 18 is secured by screws H to the lower legs 18 ofchannel members 19 which have their upper leg portions 89 secured by capscrews 8| to the closure plates 10 and their spans secured by screws 95to support brackets 94. It is to be noted in this modification that theair con-. trol panel is completely eliminated, that a trap door isprovided in the ductwork itself for inspection purposes and that the airdistribution plate Hi has no-hmge connectionbutlissecured by cap screws.

I In Flgure 'T another modification oitheair distribution system of the;presentinvention is dis closed whichis similar to that; of Figured.imthat theductworlr itself provides mounting means for the air controlva'lveassembly. 26 and a pivoting trap door 14. is provided; in theductwork for inspecting' purposesl However, this modification featuresan air distribution panel 82 which is held inplaceatside. flangedportions 83 againstangle member suitably secured to the duct- At eachmarginal edge a screw'mem-ber 85 is threaded into the angle member: 8.4and? urges amolding strip 86 toward thaangle memheri 8.4- with theflanges 83 of the air distribution plate 82 and a portion l8 of the carceiling pressed therebetween.

The modification disclosed in Figure 8 is similar to that of Figure 6except that the air distribution plate 88 is pivotally mounted from thelower flange of the channel member 89 on a hinge 81. This construction,of course, facilitates access to the trap door 14 for access to theplenum chamber.

An additional modification of the present invention is illustrated inFigures 9 and 10 wherein an air distribution plate 98, air controlplates 9|, and a pair of channel'members 92 are suitably secured by capscrews one to another to provide an air distribution unit, which may beremoved as a unit from the open end of the duct. The air control panel9| has upstanding side flanges 91a which are sized to slide inside thepre-installed duct work 93. Likewise, the channel members 92 arearranged to slide inside an angle member or support bracket. 94supported by a ceiling panel 18 and to be secured thereto by cap screws95. Thus, the side ceiling panel members l8, through the cap screws 95,support the entire unit in the ductwork. The air distribution panel isremovably secured to the channel members 92 by cap screws 96. Thisconstruction, therefore, provides an assembly which may be readilyremoved from the duct and permits a maximum of access space forconvenient cleaning of the walls of the plenum chamber. Thus, nopivoting panels or trap doors are required in this modification.

It will, of course, be understood that the air control panel and the airdistributor panel of any of the modifications of the apparatus of thepres-s ent invention could be provided with hing-ed trap doors foraccess purposes.

I have heretofore described various modifications of my invention.However, it will be understood that numerous other variations may bemade in the character, construction, and arrangement of the componentparts and in the general assembly without departing from the principleand scope of the invention, and I, therefore, contem late bythe'attached claim to cover all such modifications as come within thetrue spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

In a ventilating system for a compartment having a roof, ceiling panelsdefining a generally rectangular opening to the roof, andsupportbrackets secured to said ceiling panels, an integral air ducthaving a top wall and side walls defining an open-bottomed plenumchamber, said duct adapted to be dependently carried by the roof invertically spaced relation to said ceiling panels and dimensioned toregister vertically with said panel opening, bottom plates extendinginwardly from the lower edges of the duct side walls without meeting todefine an outlet, valve means for throttling air flow through saidoutlet detachably secured" to the underside of said bottom plates acrosssaid outlet to be removable as a unitfrom said outlet, channel membersdetachably hung from each of said bottom plates and detachably securedto the support brackets of the respective subjacent ceiling panels, andan air distribution panel detachably secured to said channel members forsupport at a height even with said ceiling panels, said, airdistribution panel substantially closing off said panel opening beneathsaid bottom plates to define with said plates and said channel membersan accessible secondary plenum chamber for receiving throttled air fromsaid duct prior to its distribution into the compartment.

THOMAS E. MCDOWELL.

8 REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,172,944Norris Sept. 12, 1939 2,251,663 Darbo Aug. 5, 1941 2,251,682 LeadbetterAug. 5, 1941 2,259,089 Sipp et al Oct. 14, 1941 2,304,628 Damerel Dec.8, 1942 2,354,292 Waterman July 25, 1944

